‘Raise a banana’ celebration for Thomas Flegler’s last game with Broncos

Outgoing Broncos prop Thomas Flegler is set for a quirky send-off on Thursday night as the Tully banana farmer plays his last regular season game with the club before heading to the Dolphins.

Outgoing Broncos prop Thomas Flegler is set for a quirky send-off on Thursday night, with Brisbane fans urged to “raise a banana” to celebrate the Tully farmer’s last regular season game.

Flegler will run out as captain for the “Baby Broncos” in tonight’s Round 27 clash against the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium.

The Broncos can secure the minor premiership with a win but will have to do so without stars Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam.

According to an Instagram post shared by several Broncos players, patrons have been encouraged to raise a banana in the eighth minute of the clash.

“Broncos fans we encourage you on the eighth minute this weekend (sic) to stand with us and raise a banana in tribute in the air as a tribute to Tom Flegler the banana farmer for his outstanding service to the club,” the post read.

Tom Flegler will play his final regular season game for the Broncos on Thursday night and will run on as captain. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Flegler has been named as our captain for the final round game, running home in front of the potential sold out Suncorp Stadium.”

The Flegler family run a 500ha banana farm in Tully in Far North Queensland where the prop forward is known to help out on in the off season.

The post has been shared by Mam, Walsh and Keenan Palasia, and has gathered support on dedicated Brisbane fanpages.

“Gonna (sic) need a banana for Thursday’s game,” Abby wrote on social media.

“Anyone else getting Mario Kart vibes,” Jason posted.

“Make sure you got your bananas,” Adam posted.

“We will miss you Flegs. Thank you for all you did for the Broncos, good luck with the Dolphins,” Bridie wrote.

Flegler, and strike centre Herbie Farnworth, have both signed with The Dolphins for the 2024 season.

According to Suncorp Stadium guidelines, patrons are permitted to bring in “homemade food and sealed plastic water bottles”, a statement on its website read.

However, a stadium spokesman urged fans attending the venue to be “responsible” at all times.

“While we have no problem with patrons ‘raising a banana’ in honour of the former Tully Tiger, we would like to remind fans that ‘throwing’ of bananas is not permitted within the stadium,” the spokesman said.

“For the safety and enjoyment of all patrons, we, along with the Brisbane Broncos encourage everyone to be responsible at tonight’s game.”